The Institute for Labor Studies (ILS), the policy research and advocacy arm of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), participated in the workshop “Introduction to Impact Evaluation: A Seminar for DOLE Program Managers” held at the AIM Conference Center in Makati City on 8-9 October 2014.

The workshop was facilitated by the Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping the world’s poor through research and technical assistance.

“It is the first time that we had this training on this particular subject, and we are doing this to improve our services,” said Deputy Executive Director Mary Grace L. Riguer. Deputy Executive Director Riguer also explained that the workshop is a partnership of ILS, DOLE, and IPA. DOLE Inter-Agency Committee on Research and Statistical Matters members also participated in the workshop.

During the workshop the speakers shared their research expertise in the area of impact evaluation, particularly in the aspects of needs assessment, sampling, change theory, and outcome measurement. Through group activities, the speakers gave their insights on how impact evaluation can be used by DOLE program managers in their respective offices.

In her welcome remarks, OIC Assistant Secretary Katherine B. Brimon said that the workshop is relevant to the policy of President Benigno S. Aquino and DOLE Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz for outcome-based performance evaluation and budgeting.

“All DOLE programs in existence for at least five years must undergo impact evaluation to measure their relevance vis-à-vis our efforts to reduce poverty,” said Assistant Secretary Brimon. She also encouraged the workshop participants to help ensure that DOLE programs and activities have demonstrable results and are responsive to the requirements of the publics.

(For more information on this press release please contact Mr. Gian Ines of the Advocacy and Publications Division, Institute for Labor Studies, Telephone Nos. 527-3490/527-3447)